WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) applauded Senate passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) by imposing tougher economic penalties on Russia and the countries helping finance Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine while continuing economic pressure on Iran.

For years, Kennedy has argued that the surest way to change Putin's behavior is to deprive him of the money funding his war machine. This legislation carries forward that approach by increasing sanctions on Russia and authorizing tariffs on countries that continue to purchase significant amounts of Russian oil and natural gas, thereby cutting off one of the Kremlin's most important sources of revenue. The legislation would also extend sanctions authorities targeting Iran's energy and weapons programs.

"Lindsey Graham understood that Vladimir Putin is not interested in lectures-he's interested in money. The best way to change Putin's behavior is to hit him in his wallet, and this bill does exactly that. It will make Russia and the countries bankrolling Putin's war on Ukraine pay a much steeper price while cutting off money that fuel's Iran's weapons programs. Passing it honors Lindsey's legacy and strengthens America's national security," said Kennedy.

Kennedy has consistently supported stronger economic pressure on Russia, arguing that sanctions must impose real costs on Putin and those enabling his aggression. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act builds on that principle by targeting Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and sanctions evaders, while giving the President additional authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue financing Russia's war through energy purchases. The legislation also maintains pressure on the Iranian regime by targeting its energy and weapons activities.

Background:

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would:

• Impose sanctions on Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members, Russian financial institutions, and others supporting Putin's war on Ukraine.

• Target individuals and entities helping Russia evade existing sanctions.

• Authorize the President to impose tariffs on countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil and natural gas.

• Extend sanctions authorities targeting Iran's oil revenues and weapons programs.

• Increase economic pressure on Russia and those helping sustain its war against Ukraine while maintaining pressure on the Iranian regime.

Full text of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is available here.